Snowy River Alliance (SRA) will file proceedings on July 23rd 2010, in the Supreme Court of NSW against the NSW Water Administration Ministerial Corporation over the Snowy Water Licence review.

SRA are requesting that the Supreme Court declare the NSW Government's first five year review of the Snowy Water Licence invalid, as it did not comply with the Snowy Hydro Corporatisation Act, and consequently the Licence variations given effect on May 1st are also invalid, and should be set aside.

SRA Chairman, John Gallard, comments that according to the Snowy Hydro Act, the first five year review of the Snowy Water Licence is a review of the License provisions relating to Snowy River environmental flows. This aspect has not been addressed.

Further information can be obtained by contacting John Gallard, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 026456 2159.

The Gillard Government has announced up to $8million in additional funds to help community groups protect the environment.

Eligible community groups may include:

•  community groups involved in coastal rehabilitation, restoration and conservation

•  groups of farmers or land managers working on sustainable farming or improving natural resource management

•  indigenous partnerships involved in protecting or improving the environment

•  groups involved in biodiversity, environmental protection or managing natural resources

The guidelines and hard copy application form will be available from the Caring for our Country website at http://www.nrm.gov.au or by calling 1800 552 008 from Tuesday July 6, 2010. Applications will close in late August.

The ecology and management of the Gippsland Lakes and other coastal lagoons in south-eastern Australia is the subject of a conference to be held in Lakes Entrance.

When: October 27 & 28, 2010

Where: Bellevue on the Lakes,  201 The Esplanade, Laes Entrance, VIC 3909

Cost: $200 per person (employer paid) OR $50 per person for the general public or members of community groups etc

Conference Registration Form can be found at http://tinyurl.com/2feaw6t